CAF President challenged Cameroon ability to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) president, Ahmad, has challenged Cameroon to ensure everything is in place for the country to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ahmad made his comments on Cameroon 2019 following Caf’s 40th General Assembly on Friday. It was the first time he had commented on next year’s Nations Cup since business consultancy company Roland Berger conducted an inspection of Cameroon’s facilities in January.

“There is still a shortfall between the report (from the recent inspection visit) and the requirements we have set out,” said Ahmad.

“It is now up to Cameroon to make up this shortfall as far as possible, that is all I can tell you,” he added.

The tournament, which has expanded from 16 to 24 teams since Cameroon won the right to host in 2014, is set to be staged in five different cities – Bafoussam, Douala, Garoua, Limbe and Yaounde.

Caf president Ahmad has said on several occasions that African football’s ruling body will find an alternative host if Cameroon – which has always insisted it will be ready – is unable to host the finals.

Morocco has put itself on standby to host the finals, given concerns about Cameroon’s preparations.

Following the recent inspection, Ahmad insisted that Caf will do all it can to ensure that its showpiece event is a success.